The SVLO service supports victims and survivors of sexual violence. It doesn’t matter if it happened before you started university, involved another student, or happened outside of university premises – an SVLO can support you.
Who can use this service?
We want all University of Chester students who have experienced sexual violence and would like to understand reporting and support options to be able to access this service.
Marginalised groups and people with intersectional experiences may face additional barriers to accessing support. The SVLO service recognise this and believes it is important to make it explicitly clear that we can support:
- Students identifying as LGBTQIA+
- Students that are neurodivergent
- Students with disabilities
- Students identifying as non-binary or gender fluid
- Students that are male, female or intersex
- Students from all ethnic backgrounds
- Students from all religious backgrounds, including no religion
- Students of all ages
The only students who can’t access the service are those studying abroad or outside of the UK. This is due to logistics, and if a student did contact the service for support whilst abroad, we would make sure they were redirected appropriately
What is an SVLO?
SVLOs are a range of university-staff selected by Student Services to become their key representatives in responding to disclosures of sexual violence.
Two three-day courses provide SVLOs with enhanced awareness and understanding of sexual violence, including understanding the impact and needs of victims, how to work in partnership with other agencies involved (including the police) and how and when to make referrals to external support services. The course also focuses on the legal implications of sexual violence and the court process, including internal investigations and what is required from the university.
SVLOs are tested after both modules of the course and must pass the course before they can be an accredited SVLO.
SVLOs support students without judgement and use their comprehensive knowledge of support services and reporting options to create a personalised action plan. The service is led by your choices, so you decide which (if any) referrals are made on your behalf.
You can access the SVLO service by using our Report a Concern tool, emailing report@chester.ac.uk or by contacting our Student Services Helpdesk on 01244 511550.
Opening hours are Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm, Friday 9am to 4pm.
Please click here for more information on the service.
Please remember – the SVLO service is not an emergency service. If you or anyone else are in immediate danger or need medical help, call 999 for emergency support.
Our Data Processing and Privacy Notice describes how and why we collect and use personal information about you – Privacy Statement.